As the Benelux is tightening its standards for fuel export, it is also asking the European Union to curb its export of dirty fuels to Africa.
Quality standards are imposed in the EU for fuels such as petrol and diesel, for example with regard to the maximum amount of the polluting substances sulphur, benzene and manganese. However, the standards do not apply to the export of these same fuels from the EU to third countries.
"The UN quality requirements for fuels must also apply to exports," said Frans Weekers, Secretary General of the Benelux Union. "Africa must not be a dumping ground for our toxic fuels."
Benelux now wants to change this. Belgium and the Netherlands have already taken several legal initiatives and the three countries are now committed to an export ban on dirty fuels, a level playing field within the internal market of the Benelux, and cooperation in the area of enforcement.
Work is not finished
A new recommendation on this will be presented on Wednesday. While this is not binding, a spokesperson called it "a firm commitment."
The Benelux is the largest exporter of fuels. The ports in the Netherlands and Belgium account for 50% of the total export of petrol to West Africa, with no less than 65.2 million litres of petrol per day. The export of diesel has declined, but is still substantial.
To prevent the export of polluting fuels from being moved to other ports, the Benelux is asking the EU to follow its example. The issue was already discussed at the EU Energy Council at the end of 2024 and Germany is already supporting the call from the Benelux countries.
"With the signing of a new Benelux recommendation, the major breakthrough has become a fact. The Benelux is once again shining as a testing ground in Europe," said Weekers. "At the same time, the work is not finished. We will continue to advocate for the export of cleaner fuels throughout the European Union."
